WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) introduced bipartisan legislation that amends the Richard Russell National School Lunch Act to allow schools participating in the program to serve whole milk as part of the National School Lunch Program. Senator Crapo (R-Idaho) is also a cosponsor.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) reports that nearly 90% of Americans do not meet their daily dairy intake recommendations. This legislation expands healthy milk options in schools to improve our students’ nutrition intake and will be a critical step in improving child nutrition health outcomes. 

“Milk provides essential nutritional benefits for America’s kids,” Senator Risch said. “Through the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, we can ensure our kids have the choice between a wide variety of Idaho’s world class milk options to help strengthen their bones, teeth, and overall health.”

“Today, 2 out of 3 children do not receive their recommended daily dairy intake. Our legislation aims to change that by reinstating whole milk in school cafeterias. I truly believe food is medicine, and by increasing kids’ access to milk, we will help prevent health complications down the road and encourage nutrient-rich diets for years to come. Whole milk is an excellent source of nutrients for students and adults alike in building strong bones. Plus, it tastes good,” Senator Marshall said.

“Idaho’s dairy producers rightfully take great pride in the plethora of high-quality, healthy products they produce,” said Crapo. “This legislation removes unnecessary limits on the types of milk schools can distribute, balancing choice and health in the cafeteria,” Senator Crapo said. 

Background: 

1. In 2010, Congress passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act which amended nutrition standards in the School Lunch Program. Among the changes, the law mandated that flavored milk must be fat-free within the program.
2. In May of 2017, the USDA announced a rule that allowed schools to receive waivers for low-fat (1%) flavored milk, rather than only fat-free.
3. Leading nutritionists have found that whole dairy fats have no negative effect on a diet, and may even reduce risk of heart disease.

# # #